Purposefully crafted rosé, shaped by the coast and recognised with Gold. 

Benguela Cove Wine Estate has earned two Gold Awards at the 2026 Rosé Wine & Spirit Challenge. The judges recognised Benguela Cove Lighthouse Rosé 2026 and Benguela Cove Cuvée58 Brut Rosé NV, a Cap Classique. 

The achievement celebrates two different expressions of rosé and supports a belief that guides the estate’s work: special vineyard blocks are carefully chosen for rosé, allowing each wine to express fruitful elegance with purpose. 

A Challenge Dedicated to Rosé 

The Rosé Wine & Spirit Challenge gives pink wines and spirits a dedicated platform, assessing entries within specialist categories such as still rosé, Blanc de Noir and pink Cap Classique. Held at the iconic Lanzerac Hotel in Stellenbosch on 20 August 2026, the competition brought together a respected judging panel comprising Cape Wine Masters René Groenewald and Catherine Dillon, WSET Level 4 graduate and restaurateur Charlene Waite, and winemaker Nongcebo Langa. 

The judges evaluated each entry on merit and submitted confidential scores, with Gold, Double Gold and Trophy honours recognising the leading products. This focused and objective approach makes Benguela Cove’s two Gold Awards especially meaningful, celebrating the estate’s quality across both still rosé and Cap Classique. 

Cool-Climate Rosé Made with Purpose 

At Benguela Cove, rosé begins with intent in the vineyard. The team selects and manages specific vineyard blocks for rosé production rather than treating the wine as a secondary outcome of red winemaking. 

The estate’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean helps moderate temperatures across the vineyards. Grapes ripen slowly in these cool conditions, retaining natural acidity while developing delicate aromas and layered flavours. 

This maritime influence gives Benguela Cove’s wines the freshness and balance associated with Walker Bay. The two awards offer independent recognition of an approach that places origin, vineyard care and purpose at the heart of rosé production. 

Lighthouse Rosé 2026 

Benguela Cove Lighthouse Rosé 2026 captures the relaxed yet considered character of coastal wine. Fresh and versatile, it suits sunny afternoons, informal lunches and shared meals without losing its distinctive sense of place. 

The Rosé Wine & Spirit Challenge officially awarded the 2026 vintage Gold on 24 August 2026, confirming the quality behind one of Benguela Cove’s most approachable wines. 

Cuvée 58 Brut Rosé NV Cap Classique 

Benguela Cove Cuvée58 Brut Rosé offers an elegant Cap Classique expression of rosé. Fine bubbles carry notes of red berries, pomegranate, strawberry and nougat, creating a fresh wine with a lingering finish.  

Its name refers to the 58 facets of a diamond, connecting the precision of the diamond cutter with that of the winemaker. Made for celebrations but equally suited to the table, Cuvée 58 shows how cool-climate fruit can bring vitality and character to Cap Classique. 

A Clear Expression of Walker Bay 

These two Gold Awards recognise Benguela Cove’s commitment to making rosé with the same focus afforded to every premium wine. Lighthouse Dry Rosé offers a vibrant still expression, while Cuvée 58 Brut Rosé brings the texture and occasion of Cap Classique. 

Together, they make a compelling case for purposeful cool-climate rosé and confirm Walker Bay’s ability to produce wines with freshness, balance and identity. 

Discover Benguela Cove’s two Gold-winning rosés and experience the character of cool-climate Walker Bay in still and sparkling form.